Coming together healing blanket workshop
Participants of the healing blanket workshop held in North Bay on February 11.
This winter, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Victim Service and Community Wellness program staff as well as members of the Women’s Secretariat of the MNO (WSMNO) joined together to address and discuss violence against Métis women and children through a healing blanket workshop.
The workshop that was held in North Bay had a great turnout of 26 participants. The day began with a prayer offered by Senator Marlene Greenwood before taking part in a sharing circle. Strawberry medicine water was shared after the circle and a brief teaching of the strawberry plant by Marsha Depotier, MNO Victim Services Coordinator South Region.
The participants had the unique opportunity to create their own blankets that were bound with the beautiful rich Métis medicine. A feast was provided and Melissa Pigeau, MNO Community Wellness Coordinator for North Bay prepared traditional Métis foods which included: baked bannock, moose chili and apple crisp.
The event was a huge success and ending with the Senator sharing healing hugs with the participants.